kʌt ˈsʌmwʌn daʊn tuː saɪz
Relationships
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- To reduce someone physically to a smaller size
What does "cut someone down to size" mean?
- To make someone feel less important or less confident
- To humble someone who is arrogant or overconfident
Examples
- The critical review really cut him down to size.
- She needed to be cut down to size after her arrogant behavior.
- The defeat cut the champion down to size.
Origin
The metaphor suggests reducing someone's inflated ego to a more appropriate 'size.' Used since the early 20th century to describe humbling experiences.
How to use it
Can be seen as positive (humbling the arrogant) or negative (harsh criticism). Often used when someone's ego is considered excessive.
Similar expressions
humble
put in one's place
take down a peg
Opposites
build up
encourage
inflate ego
Related idioms
- break the ice
To initiate conversation in an awkward social situation
- see eye to eye
To agree with someone completely
- head over heels
Completely and deeply in love
- pull someone's leg
To tease or joke with someone
- cut someone some slack
To be less strict or demanding with someone
- tie the knot
To get married
Use it in a practice answer
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